The old gal is not a garage queen by any means, and to this point other than plastic body pannels self destructing it has been a good machine. I know the steering is hydraulic, and that in mind I have to admit I am lost. Not the steering is well loose ,she wanders around,, and then it takes almost a 90 degree spin on the wheel to get things to turn. Not a good thing, SOOOOOO is there anyway I can "tighten " up the steering with out spending beau coupe bucks on a new steering box
Steering on a BX 2360
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BX25D Rookie
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
2011 BX 25LB-R (dirt work, snow, and brush hogging) & 2013 BX 2370 (mowing lawn)
The first thing about a BX 2360, there is no "steering box" on the machine.
There is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels.
The only connection from up front to the steering wheel/valve is several hydraulic pipes/hoses.
With the engine off, the steering valve acts like a "primitive" hydraulic pump and allows you some
basic high effort steering control in the event the engine quits.
I would have an assistant turn the steering wheel back and forth while I laid on the ground
in front of the tractor. You shouldn't see any "play" or lost motion in the mechanical steering linkage.
Check that the hydraulic steering cylinder is firmly attached.
Check the inner tie rod ends for play/lost motion.
Check the outer tie rod ends for play/lost motion.
Check that the taper studs/castle nuts on the outer tie rod ends are not loose in the cast iron steering knuckles.
Jack up both front wheels and give them a shake. (side to side and up/down)
If you can't find anything mechanical loose, then unfortunately, you have a bad steering cylinder or steering valve. The steering cylinder can be rebuilt if it's faulty, but if worn sufficiently inside the aluminum housing where the seals slide, the unit will require replacement.
Free Workshop manual here: https://www.kubotabooks.com/AutoIndex/index.php?dir=Tractor Owners Manuals/
Let us know what you find.
There is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels.
The only connection from up front to the steering wheel/valve is several hydraulic pipes/hoses.
With the engine off, the steering valve acts like a "primitive" hydraulic pump and allows you some
basic high effort steering control in the event the engine quits.
I would have an assistant turn the steering wheel back and forth while I laid on the ground
in front of the tractor. You shouldn't see any "play" or lost motion in the mechanical steering linkage.
Check that the hydraulic steering cylinder is firmly attached.
Check the inner tie rod ends for play/lost motion.
Check the outer tie rod ends for play/lost motion.
Check that the taper studs/castle nuts on the outer tie rod ends are not loose in the cast iron steering knuckles.
Jack up both front wheels and give them a shake. (side to side and up/down)
If you can't find anything mechanical loose, then unfortunately, you have a bad steering cylinder or steering valve. The steering cylinder can be rebuilt if it's faulty, but if worn sufficiently inside the aluminum housing where the seals slide, the unit will require replacement.
Free Workshop manual here: https://www.kubotabooks.com/AutoIndex/index.php?dir=Tractor Owners Manuals/
Let us know what you find.
You almost got it right. It's, " beau coup". No "e" on the end.
That said, I'd be looking for the easy stuff first, like the tie rod ends. If it's not there, something hydraulic is not happy with life. Could be the steering pump, but it could be on the cylinder end, too. You need to get a helper to turn the steering wheel while you observe what's happening on the cylinder. Might help to have it jacked up so the wheels are off the ground so you can play around a bit.
That said, I'd be looking for the easy stuff first, like the tie rod ends. If it's not there, something hydraulic is not happy with life. Could be the steering pump, but it could be on the cylinder end, too. You need to get a helper to turn the steering wheel while you observe what's happening on the cylinder. Might help to have it jacked up so the wheels are off the ground so you can play around a bit.
BX25D Rookie
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
2011 BX 25LB-R (dirt work, snow, and brush hogging) & 2013 BX 2370 (mowing lawn)
Having the weight on the front wheels (NOT jacked up) will help isolate inner/outer tie rod looseness.
You'll still need to jack up the front end for checking front wheel bearing and steering knuckle looseness.
I have changed one inner/outer tie rod assembly on my BX 25.
They are not inexpensive.
I have installed aftermarket inner/outer tie rod end seals on my BX 2370.
The OEM Kubota rubber seals were destroyed from weathering. I took them all apart, regreased the inner and outer tie rod ends and reassembled them with aftermarket rubber seals.
Once the rubber seals have cracks in them water, grit, and mud destroy the tie rod ends.
You'll still need to jack up the front end for checking front wheel bearing and steering knuckle looseness.
I have changed one inner/outer tie rod assembly on my BX 25.
They are not inexpensive.
I have installed aftermarket inner/outer tie rod end seals on my BX 2370.
The OEM Kubota rubber seals were destroyed from weathering. I took them all apart, regreased the inner and outer tie rod ends and reassembled them with aftermarket rubber seals.
Once the rubber seals have cracks in them water, grit, and mud destroy the tie rod ends.
whitetiger
Moderator
Staff member
Equipment
Kubota tech..BX2370, RCK60, B7100HST, RTV900 w plow, Ford 1100 FWA
You probably can turn the steering wheel slowly, and the front wheels do not respond.
Give the wheel a jerk and keep turning it; the front wheels will react and turn.
Classic textbook case for replacing the steering cylinder.
I have got it down to diagnosing a BX steering cylinder failure in under 30 seconds.
Give the wheel a jerk and keep turning it; the front wheels will react and turn.
Classic textbook case for replacing the steering cylinder.
I have got it down to diagnosing a BX steering cylinder failure in under 30 seconds.
